Psychological Factors Affecting EFL Learners Speaking Performance in ELT Context in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Speaking is one of the four macro skills to be developed as a means of effective communication in both first and second language learning contexts. In the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, how to increase speaking competence and confidence for EFL students tends to be a crucial question among instructors. Moreover, in every learning situation or environment, human psychology plays a significant role. Hence, English speaking is a language skill that is highly affected by human psychology. This qualitative study aimed at explaining the psychological factors that affects EFL learners speaking performance in ELT context in Iran. A descriptive qualitative design was used to conduct this research. The research was consisted of theoretical review, field notes, observations, and unstructured interviews. The participants of the study were 20 students in Bojnord State University. The data were analyzed using the interactive analysis technique developed by Miles and Huberman (1994). The results of the research reveal that the psychological factors negatively affect the students English speaking performance. Although most of the students think that they have good level of English vocabulary and grammar, they are insecure while speaking English. These results showed that there were a variety of factors such as fear of making mistakes, feeling shy, feeling hesitated, lack of confidence while speaking English. Finally, some suggestions expected to be significant remedies to overcome the problem were proposed by the researcher.
Keywords: Psychological Factors, Speaking Skill, Qualitative Study.
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